Your little one has reached their 2nd birthday, and has no doubt reached many of their milestones along the way. At this age their personalities really start to present themselves more and more, their likes and dislikes become more apparent as they can now verbally express themselves more clearly.
At this age there is a huge tug of war between them being fiercely independent but also still needing your help to get things done. Toys need to offer the best of both worlds, presenting opportunities for them to use their independence and also showing them that it is ok to still need a helping hand from their caregivers.
So when shopping for that perfect birthday gift you need to give a few things in mind:
- Age appropriate toys – Toys have to be at the right stage of development and age for that particular child. Remember that the age of toys is simply a guideline, you know your child the best.
- Durability – Toys that stand the perils of being played with by little people all day are the best investment. Toys that are well made out of durable materials such as plastic (as a parent I am trying to limit the amount of plastic toys that we purchase in order to be more environmentally friendly), wooden toys are fantastic and the feel of a natural material for children is exciting.
Melissa and Doug Deluxe Pounding Wooden Bench.
This classic toy gets a bright makeover for the 21st century. As the child pounds the bench with the wooden mallet the colourful pegs play peekaboo as they rise and fall showing their friendly smiling faces.
This toy gives toddlers ample opportunity to develop their fine motor skills and colour recognition, while providing valuable screen free playtime. A classic toddler development toy.
Aqua Magic Doodle Mat.
Aqua Doodle is the best way for your toddler to have fun drawing and painting with little to no mess.
It’s a simple idea where the special pens are filled with water and as you draw on the special mat it changes colours to produce your child’s wonderful masterpiece. It then fades away in around 5-10 minutes and you can start all over again.
This set comes with 2 pens, 1 brush, 1 design booklet, 4 sets of drawing moulds, 1 set of stamps with 3 different designs and 1 magic roller.
Moluk Bilibo Blue.
This seemingly simple design will open up a whole new world of open ended play for your toddler. It has endless possibilities, sit in it, stand in it, spin in it or stack it.
This amazing award winning Bilibo is the result of collaboration with child development experts.
It comes in a variety of bright colours and immediately engages children. It stimulates the development of balance, coordination, motor skills, creativity, imagination and role playing.
Easily transportable, take it anywhere your toddler goes, it’s strong enough to withstand the most rambunctious toddler.
The Original PlasmaCar.
This ever so simple looking toy, requires no batteries, no pedals or motors.
This self propelled car provides a thrilling ride for the most adventurous toddler as they propel themselves around the house or outdoors, they are continually developing motor skills and hand eye coordination while still getting plenty of exercise.
As it has no motor it is quiet enough to be used both indoors and outdoors.
TP Toys Muddy Maker Mud Kitchen.
Let your children’s imagination run wild and wet, with this inspiring mud kitchen.
You can make mud pies or mud cakes or whatever else your imagination desires.
This kitchen comes complete with pots and pans, storage, multiple work areas, hanging rail, chalkboard and serving station.
Melissa & Doug Monster Bowling Game.
This plush bowling set consisting of 6 monster bowling pins and a beastly ball, will give your little ones hours of fun.
It comes with a zippered carry case for easy storage and transportation.
These little monsters are easy for your little monsters to set up with their weighted bottoms. It helps them to develop gross motor skills, balance and hand-eye coordination.
The products made by this particular company have been described as being “The gold standard in childhood play”.